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Monday, December 20, 2010

Selling New York Returns

New York City’s high-end real estate market, with its unique, often incredible urban dwellings, returns to HGTV in the second season of Selling New York. The new episodes premiere on Thursday, January 6, 2010 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, continue to follow a group brokers from three boutique real estate firms—The Core Group, Gumley Haft Kleier and, new this season, Warburg Realty—as they offer viewers a glimpse inside the high-powered world of buying and selling luxury Manhattan properties.

“Selling New York offers an intriguing look at what it takes to move these multi-million dollar properties,” said Kathleen Finch, general manager, HGTV. “The series offers a fun, voyeuristic peek inside some of the city’s most exclusive homes, as well as the ingenious ideas the agents use to increase the odds of a sale.”

The series’ second season features the agents’ ongoing scramble to keep the property sales moving, despite astronomical prices, jaded buyers and intense competition. In an early episode, viewers meet Warburg broker Richard Steinberg who must navigate frustrating construction delays to get an apartment on the market. One of the most prominent brokers of apartments and townhouses in New York City, Steinberg grosses over $100 million in sales annually. His comprehensive knowledge of the Manhattan marketplace has made him a frequently cited expert on real estate in many national publications, and he has a client roster of the City’s top celebrities, politicians and business leaders. This episode also features returning broker Michele Kleier of Gumley Haft Kleier, who is pressed to sell an $8 million dollar penthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a quintessential city view and a wrap-around terrace perfect for parties. To attract interest, she holds a lavish cocktail party at the property, complete with high fashion models and luxurious gifts for guests.

During the season, Warburg Realty President, Fred Peters, a 30-year veteran in the real estate business, film director turned real estate agent Deborah Lupard, and 2006 Rookie of the Year Leslie Rosenthal, join the series to showcase even more spectacular properties.

Future episodes feature celebrity clients, including soap actress Ellen Dolan of the recently canceled As the World Turns who turns to Warburg to help sell her Tribeca loft as soon as possible. With help from Samantha Kleier, Country star Clay Walker also shops for a pied-á terre, while artist Darren Waterston looks for a residence that can double as an art studio.